2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the 2023 GX 470, with its geometric styling and more aggressive front fascia. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The vehicle's design was characterized by a more vertical front end and a flat hood with raised sides for better off-road visibility. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were tailored for off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender maintained its classic boxy profile, integrating modern elements like angular headlights. Its interior was more rugged and adventure-ready compared to other Land Rovers, with a focus on durability. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase 130, each with various trims. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with vintage graphics and white wheels. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims offered additional luxury and off-road capabilities, such as the X-Dynamic SE with 20-inch wheels and the X trim with a digital rearview mirror. The Carpathian Edition and Outbound trim provided unique styling and increased cargo space, respectively.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with minimal body roll on-road.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, delivered 493 and 518 horsepower, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender's towing capacity varied by engine, with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder models capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied by model, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children. The Defender 130 provided more seating but was still limited in space. Cargo capacity depended on the model, with the Defender 130 offering 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Defender 110's two-row version provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet in total. The two-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered voice commands and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The touchscreen was simple and complemented the Defender's utilitarian design. Home buttons on the screen's rails facilitated easy navigation between features.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist features were overly sensitive but could be deactivated. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.